An Overview of the Role of Membrane Proteins in Microbial Solvents Tolerance

Background: Solvent tolerance is a desired feature of microorganisms for their application in biotechnology. Organic solvent-tolerant microorganisms are able to thrive in the presence of organic solvents. Several mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate their intrinsic tolerance to organic solvents. Objective: The present review aims to summarize the state of the art of the roles of membrane proteins in microbial organic solvent tolerance. Strategies and challenges for improving the protective function of membrane proteins in organic solvent stress are also proposed. Results: Membrane proteins related to transporter, signal transduction, and material and energy metabolism are involved in solvent tolerance. Optimization of the expression level of membrane proteins and engineering of membrane proteins are utilized to tackle the toxicity caused by organic solvents. Conclusions: Membrane proteins occupy a strikingly important position in microbial solvent tolerance. Further research on novel methods in membrane proteins, trade-offs among overexpression and toxicity of membrane proteins and solvent yield, and a direct relationship between signaling pathways and solvent tolerance will advance the utilization of organic solvent-tolerant microorganisms in biotechnology.